World-class Universal Theme Park and Resort Planned for the UK
Our intent to proceed with the project follows more than a year of feasibility, due diligence, and close engagement with local and national stakeholders, as well as members of the local surrounding communities.
At Universal Destinations & Experiences, we offer guests around the world the most innovative, immersive and popular entertainment experiences, featuring the industry’s most thrilling and technologically advanced attractions, exceptional hotels and resorts, unique merchandise, games, virtual and live entertainment.
This development will have a transformative impact on Bedford and the UK economy. It will be a major contributor to the creative arts and tourism industries, generating nearly £50 billion of economic benefit for the UK and creating thousands of new, high-quality jobs. At opening, the theme park would be one of the largest employers in the region, with approximately 80% of employees expected to come from Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton & Milton Keynes, with many more communities benefiting from apprenticeships, training and educational opportunities.
We recognise the tremendous excitement our theme parks and destinations bring; however, it is too early in the process to know the possibilities of featured attractions and experiences. More details about the project will be revealed over time and are subject to the necessary planning consent approvals.
View more information on our transformational impact
OUR PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
During our public engagement, we met with almost 1,500 people and engaged with nearly 100 local organisations to hear ideas and feedback. We received over 6,000 responses to our engagement survey, with 92% of people surveyed expressing their support.
Thank you to everyone that took the time to share feedback with us – you can find more information about our public engagement below.
Project Updates
Government Press Release – April 2025
Multi-billion-pound investment secured as Universal theme park and resort set to be built in Bedford, bringing thousands of jobs.
Media Factsheet – April 2025
Our project delivers significant benefits for the UK and local communities.
£50b of economic benefit for UK
Universal Destinations & Experiences (UDX) commissioned an Economic Impact Analysis that demonstrates the unique value creation opportunity a world-class theme park and resort could bring to the United Kingdom.
Local government leaders unite in support
The leaders and chief executives of six local authorities have collectively endorsed Universal Destinations & Experiences’ potential theme park and resort project.
Your questions answered
1. What is the project?
Our intent to proceed with the project, subject to planning consent approvals, follows more than a year of feasibility, due diligence, and close engagement with local and national stakeholders, as well as members of the local surrounding communities.
At Universal Destinations & Experiences, we offer guests around the world the most innovative, immersive and popular entertainment experiences, featuring the industry’s most thrilling and technologically advanced attractions, exceptional hotels and resorts, unique merchandise, games, virtual and live entertainment.
2. What is the status of the project?
3. Where would the potential park in Bedford be located?
The location of the proposed park and land area is below:
4. Why are you looking at Bedford and this site in particular?
The site has been identified by Bedford Borough Council for development for some time and it has the size and flat topography that is important for a large-scale theme park resort.
5. What benefit would this park have for Bedford and the UK more widely?
The benefits would include:
- The creation of an expected 8,000 new jobs once operational, rising to 10,000 by year 20 of operation, which would be advertised locally first where feasible.
- Projected 20,000 new jobs generated through construction, with an estimated onsite peak workforce of 5,000.
- Significant increased local employment opportunities. Initial estimates suggest that approximately 80% of employees would come from Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes.
- Dedicated training programmes. We invest significantly in our people with training and development programmes. A range of jobs at different experience levels would be created, each with genuine growth opportunities.
- The facilitation of significant infrastructure improvements, including major road and rail upgrades.
- A major boost to local and UK tourism, with the expectation that for every job created at the park, 1.5 further jobs would be created throughout the UK economy.
- Partnerships with local educational institutions and businesses.
For further details, please view board four in the Information Pack, our Economic Benefit Summary Note and our April 2025 Local Letter.
6. Where are your other parks?
7. Will this park be similar to your other theme parks?
8. Does this project require planning consent?
Our planning proposal would be accompanied by an Environmental Statement, which will be publicised and subject to consultation with statutory consultation bodies and the public. The Environmental Statement, together with any other information which is relevant to the decision, and any comments and representations made on it, must be taken into account in deciding whether or not to grant consent for any proposal.
9. What rides and experiences can I expect to see if this project is taken forward?
10. WHEN WOULD YOU START CONSTRUCTION?
Get in touch
For all media enquiries:
uprcorpcomm@uniparks.com
universalukproject@londoncommunications.co.uk